Touted as a future leader himself, Steve Smith says reformed batsman David Warner is emerging as an Australian captain candidate.

Ahead of the Boxing Day Ashes Test against England, former Test skipper Ian Chappell said Smith had the makings of captain.

His 111 in the first innings in the Perth Test after Australia faltered early was a turning point, earning him man-of-the-match honours.

With most of the Australian team in their 30s, it’s realistic then there will be some major changes before the return Ashes series in 18 months.

It’s unlikely current skipper Michael Clarke, 32, will call it quits before then but if forced out by back complaints, Smith, 24, or Warner, 27, may get the nod.

Warner was in strife during the ICC Champions Trophy in England after punching England’s Joe Root in a nightclub at 2am.

Smith said his teammate was a changed man.

“The way he controls himself around the group, it’s been amazing to see the way he’s transformed and he’s heading in the right direction that’s for sure,” Smith said when asked about Warner’s captaincy prospects.

“He’s been in terrific form all summer, even starting with the domestic stuff before this series.

Meanwhile, all-rounder Smith said he had no plans to alter his style and play with more flair despite the pressure being off with Australia taking an unassailable 3-0 series lead.

He played the Boxing Day Test at the MCG in 2010 and made six and 38 in his two digs.

“We lost that game and I guess I didn’t have quite the success individually as well so I’m looking forward to playing out here on Boxing Day,” Smith said.

“I’m not going to change the way I’ve been playing the whole summer.

“I’ve felt like hitting the ball really well.”